Launching grass season in Halle unleashes Roger Federer's creativity, championship aspiration—and his inner tennis fan.
The top-seeded Swiss will launch his quest for a record-extending 10th Halle title taking on Aussie John Millman, who toppled then world No. 2 Federer to reach his first Grand Slam quarterfinal at the US Open last September. If Federer conquers Millman, he will play a Frenchman—either Benoit Paire or wild card Jo-Wilfried Tsonga—in round two.
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"Winning the tournament always has to be my goal in Halle," Federer told the media in Halle. "I love to play at this venue, so I am going into the tournament with a very good feeling. It would be just amazing to win for a 10th time."
The 37-year-old Federer is already engaging in Halle as a fan. Federer has a hotel room with a view overlooking the Noventi Open's Court 1.
"When friends come here, they can't believe you can watch tennis from the hotel," Federer said. "It is totally cool to watch your rivals and friends playing from your balcony."
A year ago, the Swiss set a longevity standard becoming the oldest ATP world No. 1 in history.
Last month, Federer joined Hall of Famers Martina Navratilova, Chrissie Evert and Jimmy Connors as the fourth player in the Open Era to reach the rare 1,200-career win milestone mark.
Playing Roland Garros for the first time in four years, Federer surged to the semifinals falling to archrival Rafael Nadal in a blustery Episode 39 of their iconic rivalry.
The 20-time Grand Slam champion said he played clay season, in part, to stay sharp and accumulate match play for grass season where he's aiming to capture a ninth Wimbledon crown.
"It was good to reach the semifinal of a Grand Slam tournament again, and in my first appearance in Paris for four years," Federer said. "I feel fresh, rested and ready for the grass season now. The surface suits me: I like the intuitive, aggressive game.
"The matches on grass are often decided in a few rallies. You have to stay awake and concentrated."
Photo credit: @ATP Halle